‘Tis the Season for Deliveries—and Porch Pirates
As online shopping hits its peak during the holidays, so does package theft. A 2023 Finder survey revealed that 1 in 4 Canadians have had a package stolen from their doorstep. With the convenience of same-day and next-day delivery, criminals are seizing easy opportunities—often in broad daylight.
Porch piracy tends to spike from November through January, when more packages are left unattended. Thieves often follow delivery trucks or target neighbourhoods where parcels are visible from the street.
The Power of a Video Doorbell
A smart video doorbell turns your front door into a line of defence. It detects motion, records footage, and sends instant alerts to your smartphone when someone approaches.
With two-way audio, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors—whether it’s a courier dropping off a package or someone suspicious lingering too long. The moment a delivery arrives, you’ll know, even if you’re not home.
Why Video Doorbells Work
Criminals hate cameras—and visible surveillance alone can be enough to stop thefts before they happen. According to a Security.org survey, over 80% of thieves said they’d avoid a home with a doorbell camera.
But even if a theft occurs, high-definition video clips can help identify suspects and support police investigations. Many police services across Ontario now encourage homeowners to register their security cameras through community camera programs, like the Toronto Police Service’s “Your Camera, Our Community” initiative.
Smart Alerts and Safer Deliveries
Modern doorbells use intelligent motion detection to distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and passing shadows—so you only get alerts that matter.
Pairing your doorbell with a monitored security system or smart lock takes protection even further. You can unlock the door remotely for trusted couriers, have them leave packages safely inside, and relock it instantly—all from your phone.
For extra peace of mind, consider coordinating deliveries with Canada Post’s FlexDelivery, which allows you to redirect packages to a secure post office location.
Peace of Mind at Your Front Door
A video doorbell isn’t just for holiday protection—it’s a year-round upgrade for your home’s security and convenience. Whether it’s deterring thieves, greeting visitors, or monitoring activity when you’re away, it adds real value to everyday life.
This holiday season, make sure the only thing on your doorstep is joy—not a thief with sticky fingers.
